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Bible Essentials

Genesis 17:1-27

The Covenant

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Opening

  • Share life updates
  • Review highs and lows of the week
  • Share prayer requests and praises

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Icebreaker

  • What types of covenants or contracts do you have in your life today? What individuals or parties are involved in the contract?

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Genesis 17:1-27

  • Read the passage
  • What is the context for this passage?
    • After the flood and the tower of Babel
    • Genesis 12: God blesses Abram – I will make you into a great nation
    • Genesis 15: God promises Abram and Sarai will have an heir
    • Genesis 16: Abram has a child with Hagar

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Genesis 17:1-27

  • Read the passage again, in a different version if available.
  • Summarize the passage in your own words.

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What does the passage say about God?

  • God still wants a relationship with people.
  • God identifies himself as God Almighty.
  • God establishes a covenant with Abram.
  • God can change the course of life for those who walk with him.
  • God can bless people whom he chooses to bless.
  • Even in the midst of blessing, God requires obedience.

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What does the passage say about God?

  • God establishes consequences for not being obedient.
  • God can do the seemingly impossible.
  • God doesn’t forget the outcasts.

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What does the passage say about people?

  • People are called to be obedient to God.
  • People who are disobedient will be cut off from God’s people.
  • People have a hard time believing what seems impossible.
  • People have a tendency to think they have a better plan than God.

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What does the passage say about God’s plan?

  • God’s plan was to make Abram into a great nation.
  • God’s plan was to establish his covenant forever.
  • God’s plan was to use circumcision as a symbol of his covenant.

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Discussion

  • How does the passage fit into the overarching story of the Bible?
    • This story shows us why people need to be redeemed.
    • This story gives the first prophecy of Jesus coming to conquer sin and death.

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Discussion

  • What else strikes you about this passage?
  • How does the passage affect how you view God? How you view yourself?
  • How does this passage affect how you will live your life?